Monger completes maiden F1 test at Rockingham

Rising British racer Billy Monger got his first chance in a Formula 1 car at Rockingham circuit in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old drove the 2011-spec Ferrari-powered Sauber C30 around Rockingham – the car arranged by historic F1 car supplier, Heritage F1. As with Monger’s BRDC British F3 Carlin machinery, the Sauber was also adapted to allow the British racer to drive it at ease.

The C30 was raced by Sergio Perez, Kamui Kobayashi and also Pedro de la Rosa in the 2011 F1 season. It was a surprise test offered to Monger with UK’s TV broadcaster Sky Sports F1 joining in for a feature to be aired during the Austrian GP coverage.

https://twitter.com/BillyMonger/status/1011580189711749120

https://twitter.com/SkySportsF1/status/1011597804597374982

He ran on the circuit for about an hour’s time after few modifications on the car for minimum usage of his legs. When asked by Formula Rapida, the test was termed as a “nice boost” for the British racer, who lost both his legs in a horrific crash in British F4 last year.

He has since made a remarkable return to single-seater racing, competing in the British F3 season where after four rounds, he sits eighth in the standings with 140 points – having scored a podium and points in all the races barring one.